Fans go to Lambeau Field expecting to get fired up, but not to hear that it's on fire.

However, if an alarm sounds in the future, officials say fans should be prepared to follow all instructions.

"The message for fans is they should treat any alarm as a real alarm," said Ted Eisenreich, director of facility operations for the Green Bay Packers. "The alarm won't be shut off until we can verify it is not a true emergency."

On Thursday, members of public safety agencies and Green Bay Packers staff discussed procedures followed when a fire alarm went off before the start of the Sept. 9 season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Minutes before kickoff, an announcement instructed fans to evacuate the stadium after a sprinkler alarm sounded. Failure to turn on venting exhaust fans in a concession stand near Section 116 caused the sprinklers to activate just before noon, setting off the alarm. The message was turned off once fire personnel determined there was no safety hazard to spectators.

"For the most part, the system worked the way it was supposed to," Eisenreich said.

Fans reported some confusion: Some stayed in their seats while others moved toward the exits. Some fans were still coming through gates into the stadium while the evacuation sounded. Players stayed on the field during the alarm.

Eisenreich said the field may be the safest place to keep players until the origin of the emergency can be located. As part of the review, staff will be reminded of their roles and responsibilities, he said. Audio alarms will be checked for proper levels, he said.

Green Bay Police Capt. Karl Fleury said some adjustments in the plan were made for better safety.

"We always look for ways to improve the system," he said.

The only other evacuation of the stadium bowl in recent memory occurred on Aug. 28, 2003, in a preseason night game against the Tennessee Titans.

Lightning, thunder and a torrential downpour in the second quarter prompted a delay of more than two hours. The storm sent 69,126 fans scurrying into the concourse for cover. Many fans stayed until the game ended at 12:46 a.m.

Before every game's kickoff, a minute-long video plays on the Jumbotron informing fans how to exit the stadium in the event of an emergency."